incline
C1Formal or neutral. More common in written contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To lean, slope, or tend towards something, either physically or in terms of preference/opinion.
A sloping surface or hill (noun). To have a disposition or tendency towards a particular action or belief (verb).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, often implies a gentle or gradual slope/lean, not a sharp one. Figuratively, it suggests a predisposition, not a firm decision.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun form ('an incline') is used similarly. The phrase 'inclined to' is slightly more formal/polite in BrE ('I'm inclined to agree'). 'Steep incline' is common in both. No major divergence.
Connotations
Generally neutral. In engineering/geography contexts, it is technical. In personal contexts ('I incline to think...'), it carries a formal, considered tone.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in AmE in certain technical/physical contexts (e.g., 'treadmill incline'). The verb 'to be inclined' is equally common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Sb] incline [to/towards sth][Sb] be inclined to [do sth][Sth] inclines [at an angle]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Incline your ear (formal/archaic: to listen attentively).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used cautiously in phrases like 'We are inclined to accept the offer', indicating tentative preference.
Academic
Common in arguments: 'The evidence inclines us to a different conclusion.' Also in geography: 'measuring the incline of the terrain.'
Everyday
Most common in the phrase 'I'm inclined to (think/agree/believe)...' to express a tentative opinion.
Technical
Used in engineering (incline plane), fitness (treadmill incline), and geology (angle of incline).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The road inclines steeply just after the pub.
- Politically, I incline towards the centre.
- She inclined her head in acknowledgement.
American English
- The treadmill can incline up to 15 degrees.
- His experience inclines him to be cautious with investments.
- I'm inclined to believe her story.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The path has a small incline.
- He is inclined to be shy.
- The hill had a very steep incline, making it hard to cycle up.
- I'm inclined to think you're right about this.
- The data inclines us to reconsider our initial hypothesis.
- The railway track follows a gentle incline for several miles.
- Philosophically, he inclines towards a stoic worldview, favouring reason over emotion.
- The architect designed the roof to incline at precisely 30 degrees to optimise solar panel efficiency.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a hill you CLIMB (CLINE). You are IN that hill, so you are on an INCLINE.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPINION/CHOICE IS PHYSICAL LEANING (e.g., 'I'm leaning towards option A' / 'I'm inclined to choose A').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'наклонять' (как физическое действие) и 'быть склонным' (как предрасположенность). 'Incline' as a noun ('склон') is less common than 'slope'. Прямой перевод 'инклин' не существует.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'incline' as a direct synonym for 'want' or 'decide' (too strong). Incorrect: 'I incline to go to the cinema.' Correct: 'I am inclined to go...' or 'I feel inclined to go...'. Overusing the noun form in everyday speech.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'incline' CORRECTLY as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered formal or neutral. In everyday speech, people more often use 'slope' (noun) or 'tend to' / 'lean towards' (verb).
'Tend' is more general and frequent for habitual actions ('I tend to wake up early'). 'Incline' is more formal and suggests a considered predisposition, often based on evidence or thought ('The facts incline me to disagree').
Yes, but usually in the structure 'be inclined to' or 'incline towards'. It refers to a person's tendency or gentle preference ('He's not inclined to gossip').
Traditionally, the verb is stressed on the second syllable (/ɪnˈklaɪn/) and the noun on the first (/ˈɪnklaɪn/). However, in modern usage, especially in American English, /ɪnˈklaɪn/ is common for both.
Explore